The medal formally belonged to Czech runner Emil Zatopek, one of the greatest Olympic athletes in history and was given to Clarke in July 1966 with the simple words of encouragement "You deserved this" written on it.

Zatopek believed Clarke epitomised for the 1960's what he was for the sport in the 1950's, except for one important factor, Clarke never won an Olympic Gold Medal.

In addition to the awe inspiring gold medal Mayor Ron Clarke also donated 17 of his 19 world record trophies to Queensland's first dedicated sports museum.

The Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame honours the Gold Coast's sporting greats and was officially opened by inaugural inductee, motorcycling champion Mick Doohan, in January 1999.

The Hall boasts four rooms of sporting memorabilia, including Queensland's only 'Official Olympic Room', a shrine to Gold Coast Olympic achievements which also houses the Gold Coast Sydney 2000 Olympic Games community cauldron and relay torch.

Other memorabilia on display includes official sporting uniforms dating back to the 1930's and profiles of the 33 outstanding Gold Coast athletes who have been formally inducted into the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame over the past five years.

After being inspired by the Gold Coast's sporting greats, to the left of the Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame is the Gold Coast Bulletin Historical Building, which offers the public an opportunity to immerse themselves in local history.

The building features the original 19th century Southern Queensland printing press, newspaper articles and photographs dating back to 1885 and a host of other documents that open a window to Gold Coast's heritage.

The Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame and the Gold Coast Bulletin Historical Building are open free of charge to the general public on weekdays between 9.00am and 4.00pm and are situated on Mick Veivers Way, Owen Park, 201 Queen Street, Southport.